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OPO → BVA
Which side of the plane to sit from Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport (Porto) to Paris Beauvais Tillé Airport (Beauvais)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side of the aircraft offers a superior scenic experience, featuring the jagged Atlantic coastline of Galicia, the rugged cliffs of Brittany, and the potential for a world-class view of Mont Saint-Michel as you enter French airspace.
Galician Rias
The deep, fjord-like Atlantic inlets of the Rias Baixas and Rias Altas are visible shortly after departure.
A Coruña
Look for the historic Tower of Hercules and the 'Glass City' architecture along the Spanish northern tip.
Brittany Coastline
The dramatic, rocky shores of western France appear after crossing the Bay of Biscay.
Mont Saint-Michel
With the right flight path, this medieval abbey island is visible in its bay on the border of Brittany and Normandy.
Alabaster Coast
Stunning white chalk cliffs near Le Havre and Etretat can be seen during the descent phase.
Choose the left side for morning flights to keep the sun behind the aircraft, providing better lighting for coastal photography. As you approach France, watch for the distinctive 'V' shape of the Cotentin Peninsula. In winter, these coastal areas are often clear even when the inland is foggy.
Peneda-Gerês
Portugal's only national park offers lush green mountains and winding reservoirs right after takeoff.
Cantabrian Mountains
Vast, snow-capped peaks in Northern Spain provide a dramatic backdrop if the route stays slightly inland.
Nantes and the Loire
Major urban centers and the mouth of France's longest river are visible on the inland side.
Paris Skyline
On clear days, the Eiffel Tower and La Défense skyscrapers are visible on the distant horizon during the descent into BVA.
Picardy Plains
The patchwork of yellow and green agricultural fields characteristic of Northern France during the final approach.
The right side is ideal for evening flights to catch the sunset over the Atlantic horizon. Keep an eye out for the Picos de Europa mountains in Spain, which are often visible even from high altitudes. During the final descent, the right side offers a broader perspective of the rural French landscape leading toward the airport.
Distance: 1,240 km (771 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 39 min
Departure: OPO (41.2481002808, -8.68138980865)
Arrival: BVA (49.45439910888672, 2.1127800941467285)
Route Type: International
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